The hallway is an often overlooked area.  But because you pass through it so many times, why not make it as beautiful as the rest of your home?

Before you begin a hallway decorating project, keep in mind that you shouldn’t overdo it.  While it is nice to have a hallway project that feels finished, it is easy to make that small space feel cramped and busy.  “Hectic hallways” will only seem cluttered and overwhelmed.  So while you are decorating, remember to keep it simple.

Here are a few tips for spicing up your hallways:

Several small accessories are often more appropriate for the walls of a hallway than one large piece.  Try hanging a few small paintings or colorful plates.  A variety of coordinating mirrors is great because it adds to the feeling of space.

Shelving is also great for a hallway.  This is where you can display collections and odds and ends that don’t seem to fit in any other room.  Perhaps you’d like to display some personal items.  Items such as trophies (your Academy Award maybe?), travel souvenirs, and creative projects are perfect for this area.

A single basket of flowers in the corner can add instant life to an empty hallway.  If you have a wide hallway, place a cozy chair against the wall with a small side table next to it.  Even if you don’t plan on sitting here, the look will add a warm feeling of contentment.

For a narrow hallway, hang something from the ceiling.  A set of chimes or a decorative mobile add color and mood without overwhelming the space.

A carpet runner is terrific for adding warmth to a hallway.  And think about how comfortable it will be for your feet!

Do you have a little nook in your hallway?  How about a cranny?  If so, here is your chance to create a simple but interesting vignette that will transform your emplty hall into a brand new design center.  Very decorative!

Or you can add a very personal touch by positioning a few treasured photographs, degrees, framed letters, or other documents on the walls of the hallway.  This will give you that “home sweet home” feeling even as you travel from room to room.

Decorate your hallways, and make the trip through your home more inspiring!

Want to create a day spa in your very own bathroom?  Here are four ways to create a soothing relaxing retreat right in your own home!

1.) Light:  One way to create a relaxing, soothing mood in your bathroom is to adjust the lighting.  Adding a few freestanding pillar holders can add to the ambiance, while tealights surrounding your tub can create relaxing feel.  Placing the candles on a mirror creates reflection, or placing them on the floor while bathing can create an amber glow.  Try scented tealights and depending on your scent selection; you mood can be changed with just one dip in the tub!

2) Nature:  Bringing nature inside is a great way to soften any room in the house.  Plants and flowers add color, and a refreshing feeling.  Scented florals like roses, lilacs or tulips can bring spring and summer right into your bathroom.  Drop a few petals in the bath!

3) Sound:  Invigorate your mornings and add atmosphere to your evening bath with music.  Dock your I-Pod, or invest in a mini stereo system for your bathroom.  Soothing sounds can relax the mind and soothe the soul.

4) Design: They way you decorate your bathroom can significantly reflect your mood while bathing.  Try to use light or neutral tones verses invigorating color schemes.  A soothing rose or teal blue can relax you, soften the tone of the room, and create a design medley.

If you need help, call DSI to help you select color, tiles, and fixtures to create that spa like bathroom.

Photo Courtesy of jogjatec

Would you like to feel more romantic in your bedroom? No, don’t worry – this isn’t a Dear Abby column. Did you know that you could create the feeling of intimacy just by following a few decorating secrets? Here are some easy design tips you can use to add the mood of romance to your room:

Colors

When you think of love and passion, you probably think of red. Red does stimulate the libido by increasing your heart rate and breathing, but a lot of red may make you too passionate.  A room that is all red can make you feel angry and agitated – not great feelings for igniting romance. So use red sparingly, as accents in the bedroom.

The most romantic and soothing color is pink; however, it’s the least preferred color among men. Shades close to pink, like mauve and lavender, are nice compromises that evoke romantic feelings in both women and men.

Soft blues are very soothing and romantic, and because they slow your heart rate, they can help you get a great night’s sleep.

Fabrics

Combine luxurious, sensual fabrics in rich textures – like silk, chenille, and linen. Make your bed with high thread-count cotton sheets; a full, down-filled comforter; and loads of fluffy, soft pillows. Cover your windows with full, neutral-colored, sheer fabric panels that appear to be blowing in the breeze.

Lighting

Soft lighting is essential for a romantic mood. During the day, your sheer window panels filter the sunlight, creating a warm, intimate glow. In the evenings, use light sources from all directions, and not just from overhead. Turn on side table lamps softened by lampshades, use up-lights near plants or fabrics to create shadows, and put your overhead lights on dimmers.  Candles are, of course, great for romance, but be extra careful near your flowing fabric.

Entice all your senses

Set the perfect romantic mood by taking all of your senses into account. Soft music, sachets and potpourri, fresh flowers, and a large bowl of plump strawberries will all add to a romantic ambience.

The next time you think about injecting more romance into your bedroom, skip the advice columns and do it through decorating!

You can add a warm, comfortable mood to a modern home by injecting a bit of history.  Simply using a few elements from a specific design period can create a historic ambience.  Use the following style descriptions for ideas.  Choose one favorite, or mix and match various styles to create a unique, eclectic look.

Here is an Art Deco pattern that could be incorporated as a fabric, wallpaper or windowtreatments

Art Deco elements:

Geometric designs, bright colors, opulence, lavishness

Materials used: aluminum, stainless steel, inlaid wood, lacquer

An Art Neavau Interior

Art Nouveau elements:

Dynamic, undulating, flowing lines; forms of nature; energetic; spiritual; lively

Materials used: metals, ceramics, glass

A modern take on a Barqoue Interior

Baroque Style elements:

Opulence, elaborate ornamentation, lots of detail, curves, heavy carving

Materials used: marble, dark woods

Rococo elements:

Light, exotic, frivolity; flowers and foliage; small scrollwork; pale colors; scallops and shells; swags

Materials used: silk, medium woods

A Neoclassical Interior

Neoclassic elements:

Elegance, lightness, straight lines, references to Roman and Greek architecture and sculpture, symmetry and balance

Materials used: light wood, upholstery

Victorian elements:

Lots of layering; vibrant, rich colors; rugs; fringe; patterns; moldings – like chair and picture rails

Materials used: velvet, dark woods, marble

Gothic style elements:

Pointed arches, ceiling beams, rich color, drama, carvings, candles

Materials used: stained glass; heavy, solid, dark wood; wrought iron

Is your closet jam-packed or even overflowing?  The bedroom closet is one of those spaces that seems to get more and more crowded over time.  But you don’t need to run out and rent extra storage space.  There are ways to maximize and make the most of the space in your closet, so everything fits in perfectly.

Exploit all your vertical space

Vertical space is often ignored, but you can add a lot of storage by installing shelves all the way to the ceiling.  The area above the top shelf – above the closet rod – is usually bare, so you can install a higher shelf to store rarely used items.

Photo courtesy of Apartment Therapy

Don’t forget the back of the door

Create extra storage quickly by hanging an over-the-door organizer.  These come in many materials, like canvas, plastic, wire, and bamboo.  Store shoes, ties, belts, or other small accessories without taking up any shelf space.

Add another rod

Instead of just one rod, hang two – one on top of the other – to double the storage room for hanging clothes.  Organization is much easier with two rods, also.  Be sure to measure the clothes you’ll be hanging, and allow an additional 6 inches of clearance above and below each rod.

Courtesy of Country Home Magazine

Declutter the closet rod

Empty hangers take up a lot of space.  Store good hangers in a box on a high shelf, and throw away wire hangers (or give them to your dry cleaner).

Add hooks

Ties, belts, and purses take up less room when they are hanging on hooks, rather than stored on shelves.  Plus they are much easier to find!

Whether your closet is grand or petite, maximizing the space will help organize your stuff, thus decreasing stress and adding joy to your daily routines.

Photo Courtesy of Smith and Noble

Privacy is a big reason for covering the windows.  If all you want to do is achieve privacy, there are unlimited window covering options.  The problem is that many of them block sunlight.  So if you want a bright room with natural sunlight streaming through the window, while still having privacy, what are you to do?

Worry no more!  There are window treatment styles that offer you the best of both worlds.

Photo Courtesy of Smith and Noble

“Top-down/bottom-up” window shades are the ultimate in versatility.  Because you can operate the treatments from the top down OR the bottom up, these shadings can meet all your privacy needs while still giving you access to natural light.

The “top-down/bottom-up” design option is available on many different shade styles, like honeycombs, Roman shades, and woven woods.

But the convenience doesn’t stop there!  Manufacturers have made these “top-down/bottom-up” shades safer, prettier, and more efficient – without compromising function.

Photo Courtesy of Smith and Noble

For enhanced child and pet safety, opt for a cordless lifting system.  The elimination of cords creates a clean, uncluttered look, increases safety, and makes it easy for anyone to raise and lower the shades for privacy and light control.

Want to add energy efficiency? Some “top-down/bottom-up” shades have an optional trim upgrade.  This trim seals the gap between the shade and window frame, which reduces drafts by creating an insulating barrier.

To add a finishing touch, have a cornice or valance designed for the top of the window.  This will not only enhance the look, but will cover the headrail of the shade.

Don’t compromise on your window treatment desires.  Make sure you get everything you want with shades that are functional, practical, efficient, safe, and beautiful.

Want to redesign your windows for privacy?  Call DSI today to make an appointment at 301-317-7855 or email us at interiors@designschemeinteriors.com!

Matching pendants with a chandelier in the kitchen.

Stunning Lighting in the foyer. The "Bling" effect!

We recently completed a home design in Northern Virginia and used various lighting design styles to spruce up areas of the home that needed an uplift.   As you can see above in the redesign of the client’s kitchen we used some yellow and white glass pendants.  These really provided a nice contemporary style to the kitchen and a great face-lift for the client’s redesign.

Second in the foyer, the client really wanted a “bling” effect.  We achieved it here with this long crystal foyer chandelier which sets the mood as you enter their home.

Want more lighting ideas?  Contact us today 301-317-7855 or e-mail us at interiors@designschemeinteriors.com!

Pillows by Aline Matsika

Mangro Bay Art Tile

Bipartisanship Rug by JafelDesigns

Just some things we think are hot!

Before- Bare wall in lobby area of appartment building

After- Same lobby area- oversized stretched canvas with pops of color makes a difference.

Before-lobby area of apartment building third floor.

After- adding a metal wall sculpture with vibrant colors picks up the space and makes it more interesting.

Before- another bare wall in this apartment complex on another floor. Can we say BORING!

After: Again the use of metal sculpture art provides interest and dimension to the lobby area.

Thought we would share how art influences public space.  Recently we were asked to select artwork for a senior apartment building in Washington, DC.  Three specific areas were in heavy need of interest to punch up the space.  Instead of relying strictly on pretty neutral paintings of landscapes, etc., we decided to look at ways to combine fine art with metal art.  After all, everyone no matter what their age is interested in seeing nice art on the wall.

For the main lobby area we opted for a more traditional floral piece on stretched canvas.  This added pop to the entrance area and immediately picks you up as you enter the building.  For the second and third floors, we decided to do something a little more edgy.  We used metal art to create, texture, rhythm and pattern in the elevator areas.  See the results above.

Let Design Scheme Interiors, LLC consult with your next office or corporation art installation project!  Contact us today at 301-317-7855 or e-mail us at interiors@designschemeinteriors.com for more information!